TerraMai

512 West 22nd Street Office Building / COOKFOX Architects

512 West 22nd Street, an office building in Chelsea adjacent to the High Line, embodies biophilic design principles that emphasize connections to nature while achieving LEED Gold certification. Its design integrates the building’s proximity to the High Line and views of the Hudson River, promoting health, productivity, and environmental awareness in the workplace. The structure references the neighborhood’s industrial heritage through materials such as anthracite terracotta, zinc, and granite, complemented by industrial sash-inspired windows. Curved glass corners with operable windows provide access to fresh air and natural light, while the custom terracotta façade enhances the building’s dynamic form. The lobby features a landscaped viewing garden and event space, establishing an inviting entry that extends the outdoor experience inside. The upper floors consist of flexible, light-filled office spaces equipped with an advanced air distribution system, ensuring comfort, high performance, and clean, filtered air. Echoing the High Line’s green, interconnected aesthetic, the building offers over 15,000 square feet of outdoor areas, including landscaped terraces on every floor planted exclusively with native species. These terraces, adjacent to the “Chelsea Thicket” section of the High Line, immerse occupants in greenery and create natural extensions of the work environment. From stepped terraces on the lower levels to elevated views on the fourth floor, the building seamlessly blends urban design with nature, fostering a sense of connection between the workplace, the city, and the surrounding landscape.